Question

If the child pulls with a force of 20 N for 12.0 m , and the handle of the wagon is inclined at an angle of 25 ∘ above the horizontal, how much work does the child do on the wagon?

Answer 1

Answer: 217.52 N

Explanation: The applied force is 20 N, the distance covered is 12.0 m and the angle is 25° above the horizontal.

Hence the formulae that defines work done is given by

W = Force × distance

But since the force has been inclined at an angle θ above the horizontal, the horizontal component of force is neccesary to produce the required motion to make the child do work on the wagon.

Hence

Work done = (horizontal component of force) × distance

Work done = F cos θ × distance

Work done = 20 cos 25 × 12 = 217.52 N